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Vacuum Aspiration

Table of Contents

Surgery Overview

In vacuum aspiration, a doctor uses gentle suction to remove the contents of the uterus. There are two methods of vacuum (or suction) aspiration.

What To Expect

Vacuum aspiration is a minor medical procedure. A normal recovery includes:

After the procedure:

Why It Is Done

Vacuum aspiration can be done in the first trimester to end a pregnancy. It may also be done to empty the uterus after:

How Well It Works

Vacuum aspiration is a common type of in-clinic abortion. It is usually effective. In rare cases, the procedure doesn't end a pregnancy. This is more likely to happen during the earliest weeks of pregnancy.

Risks

Vacuum aspiration rarely causes any problems. Possible problems include:

Credits for Vacuum Aspiration

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
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